108. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission in Geneva1
39607. Subject: US–USSR Chemical Weapons Negotiations, Round Eleven: Guidance. Ref: 79 Geneva 14553.2 State CW Message No. 2.
1. (C—Entire text)
2. This message provides general guidance for round eleven. Detailed responses to the questions posed Reftel are being provided separately in the guidance package.3 Highlights are outlined below.
[Page 238]3. At the opening of the round the Delegation should say that the US is deeply disturbed by reports that Chemical Weapons have been used in Laos, Kampuchea, and Afghanistan. These reports make it all the more important to negotiate a complete, effective and verifiable prohibition of chemical weapons. The bilateral negotiations can be instrumental in achievement of that goal. Delegation should state (A) US expects all states to observe the principles and objectives of the Geneva protocol and (B) US hopes that USSR will join with US in reaffirming publicly support for the protocol.
4. During round eleven the Delegation’s strategy should be to:
A. Emphasize the US expectation that the pace undertaken in the latter half of round ten will be continued and perhaps accelerated;
B. Continue to give priority attention to major unresolved issues, particularly verification-related issues (including declarations); and
C. Continue drafting in order to reaffirm and define precisely points thought to be agreed. (The Delegation should continue to be guided by the format and substance contained in the position summary provided to the Soviets during round nine.)
5. Key points in the guidance package:
A. Discussion points have been provided on the possibility of attaining mutually agreed procedures for mothballing declared facilities. Our objective is to facilitate verification by eventually specifying which actions can and cannot be taken.
B. Guidance is provided for responding to Soviet round ten statements on verification and on declarations.
C. The Delegation is authorized to agree to a scaled-down version of the Soviet proposal on declaration of past transfers. If possible US agreement on this proposal should be traded for Soviet willingness to accommodate the US proposal for exchange of information on CW protective activities (round 5 guidance).
D. Further guidance on safe riot control chemicals and herbicides is included in the package.
6. The Delegation should continue to brief allied representatives in Geneva during the course of the negotiations. In addition an offer should be made to hold quadrilateral consultations with the US, FRG and France at the end of the round.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800077–0811. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Robert Mikulak (ACDA/MA/AT); cleared by Flowerree (ACDA/MA), David Carlson (PM/DCA), Oplinger (NSC), Merle MacDonald (OSD), Harry Wilson (JCS), and [name not declassified]; and approved by Thomas Davies (ACDA/MA). Sent for information to Moscow, USNATO, London, Bonn, and Paris.↩
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